J-1 Visa Engineering Project Manager Jobs
Engineering Project Manager roles in the United States are accessible through J-1 visa sponsorship under the Trainee or Intern program category, depending on your career stage. A designated sponsor organization issues your DS-2019, while the engineering firm or construction company serves as your host employer.
Find J-1 Visa Engineering Project Manager JobsOverview
Showing 5 of 226+ Engineering Project Manager jobs
See all 226+ Engineering Project Manager Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new Engineering Project Manager roles.
Get Access To All JobsTime Commitment
Hours of operation are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday.
Minimum 15 hours and maximum 20 hours per week during Fall/Spring semesters.
Internship is primarily in-person at USF IAE facilities with limited remote work opportunities.
Opportunities
Participate in advanced engineering research and development projects.
Gain hands-on experience with embedded systems, robotics, and sensing technologies.
Work alongside engineers supporting Department of Defense initiatives.
Build professional experience and technical skills applicable to industry and government careers.
Opportunity for continued internship employment based on performance.
Letter of recommendation available upon request.
Pay Rate
$18.50/hour
Responsibilities
- Assist with the design, integration, and testing of electrical and embedded systems.
- Support development and programming of Raspberry Pi-based systems and sensor networks.
- Interface and troubleshoot sensors, communications modules, and peripheral devices using Raspberry Pi GPIO and common protocols (I2C, SPI, UART).
- Develop and maintain Python scripts for data collection, automation, and sensor integration.
- Support laboratory testing, prototype development, and system validation activities.
- Conduct technical research on emerging sensing technologies and embedded platforms.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to support prototype development and experimentation.
- Document technical findings, test procedures, and engineering recommendations.
Basic Qualifications
Pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics, or a related technical discipline.
Junior or Senior standing with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Experience with Raspberry Pi hardware and Linux-based systems.
Experience programming in Python.
Familiarity with electronics, sensors, GPIO interfaces, and embedded systems.
Experience with soldering, breadboarding, and hardware troubleshooting is preferred.
Interest in robotics, autonomous systems, sensing technologies, or data acquisition systems.
Special consideration will be given to students with experience or interest in subsea sensing, underwater acoustics, hydrophones, sonar systems, or oceanographic instrumentation.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic engineering environment.
Working at USF
With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF‘s rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.
About USF
The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference.
Compliance and Federal Notices
This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.
Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws:
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.
Time Commitment
Hours of operation are 8:00 AM to 5:00 PM Monday through Friday.
Minimum 15 hours and maximum 20 hours per week during Fall/Spring semesters.
Internship is primarily in-person at USF IAE facilities with limited remote work opportunities.
Opportunities
Participate in advanced engineering research and development projects.
Gain hands-on experience with embedded systems, robotics, and sensing technologies.
Work alongside engineers supporting Department of Defense initiatives.
Build professional experience and technical skills applicable to industry and government careers.
Opportunity for continued internship employment based on performance.
Letter of recommendation available upon request.
Pay Rate
$18.50/hour
Responsibilities
- Assist with the design, integration, and testing of electrical and embedded systems.
- Support development and programming of Raspberry Pi-based systems and sensor networks.
- Interface and troubleshoot sensors, communications modules, and peripheral devices using Raspberry Pi GPIO and common protocols (I2C, SPI, UART).
- Develop and maintain Python scripts for data collection, automation, and sensor integration.
- Support laboratory testing, prototype development, and system validation activities.
- Conduct technical research on emerging sensing technologies and embedded platforms.
- Collaborate with multidisciplinary engineering teams to support prototype development and experimentation.
- Document technical findings, test procedures, and engineering recommendations.
Basic Qualifications
Pursuing a Bachelor's degree in Electrical Engineering, Computer Engineering, Robotics, Mechatronics, or a related technical discipline.
Junior or Senior standing with a minimum GPA of 3.0.
Experience with Raspberry Pi hardware and Linux-based systems.
Experience programming in Python.
Familiarity with electronics, sensors, GPIO interfaces, and embedded systems.
Experience with soldering, breadboarding, and hardware troubleshooting is preferred.
Interest in robotics, autonomous systems, sensing technologies, or data acquisition systems.
Special consideration will be given to students with experience or interest in subsea sensing, underwater acoustics, hydrophones, sonar systems, or oceanographic instrumentation.
Strong written and verbal communication skills.
Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a dynamic engineering environment.
Working at USF
With approximately 16,000 employees, the University of South Florida is one of the largest employers in the Tampa Bay area. We are dedicated to cultivating a talented, engaged and driven workforce that strives to be bold. Employees excel in USF‘s rich academic environment, which fosters their development and advancement. In 2025, Forbes recognized USF as one of Florida’s best large employers, ranked No. 1 among the state’s 12 public universities. Our first-class benefits package includes medical, dental and life insurance plans, retirement plan options, employee and dependent tuition programs, generous leave, and hundreds of employee perks and discounts.
About USF
The University of South Florida is a top-ranked research university serving approximately 50,000 students from across the globe at campuses in Tampa, St. Petersburg, Sarasota-Manatee and USF Health. USF is recognized by U.S. News & World Report as a top 50 public university and the best value in Florida. U.S. News also ranks the USF Health Morsani College of Medicine as the No. 1 medical school in Florida and in the highest tier nationwide. USF is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU), a group that includes only the top 3% of universities in the U.S. With an all-time high of $738 million in research funding in 2024 and as a top 20 public university for producing U.S. patents, USF uses innovation to transform lives and shape a better future. The university generates an annual economic impact of more than $6 billion. USF’s Division I athletics teams compete in the American Athletic Conference.
Compliance and Federal Notices
This position may be subject to a Level 1 or Level 2 criminal background check.
Applicants have rights under Federal Employment Laws:
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws.
Family and Medical Leave Act (FMLA)
Applicants for USF employment are entitled to request reasonable accommodation(s) in the application process. A request is to be made at least five (5) working days prior to the time the accommodation(s) is needed. Visit the Central Human Resources ADA Accommodations webpage for more information on requesting an accommodation during the application/interview process.
Equal Employment Opportunity
The University of South Florida is an equal opportunity employer that does not discriminate against any employee or applicant for employment based on any characteristic protected by law. The University maintains affirmative action programs for protected veterans and individuals with disabilities in accordance with all applicable federal and state laws. This job description does not constitute an employment contract.
See all 226+ J-1 Visa Engineering Project Manager Jobs
Sign up for free to unlock all listings, filter by visa type, and get alerts for new J-1 Visa Engineering Project Manager Jobs.
Get Access To All JobsTips for Finding J-1 Visa Sponsorship as an Engineering Project Manager
Align your credentials to specialty occupation standards
Engineering Project Manager roles typically require a degree in civil, mechanical, electrical, or industrial engineering. Confirm your foreign credential equivalency before approaching host employers, since designated sponsors assess degree relevance when approving your DS-2019 training plan.
Draft a training plan tied to engineering milestones
Designated sponsors require a detailed Training Plan (DS-7002) outlining specific project management competencies you'll develop. Structure yours around phases like scheduling, procurement oversight, and risk assessment to demonstrate clear learning objectives tied to real engineering deliverables.
Target host employers with active infrastructure portfolios
Engineering firms running multi-year infrastructure, energy, or commercial construction projects are likelier to invest in J-1 visa trainees because project timelines exceed the typical visa window. Use Migrate Mate to filter for U.S. employers posting Engineering Project Manager roles with J-1 visa program alignment.
Verify host employer eligibility before accepting offers
Your host employer must agree to comply with all sponsor requirements, including maintaining a supervision plan and submitting to site visits. Confirm they've hosted J-1 trainees before or are willing to complete the required compliance documentation your designated sponsor will request.
Understand the two-year home residency requirement early
If your home country government funded your exchange or appears on the Exchange Visitor Skills List, you may face a two-year home residency requirement before qualifying for H-1B visa or green card status. Identify this before signing an offer, since it affects post-program career planning significantly.
Secure prevailing wage documentation before your start date
While J-1 trainees aren't subject to DOL prevailing wage certification the way H-1B workers are, your designated sponsor will verify that compensation is commensurate with the role. Cross-reference the OFLC Wage Search for Engineering Project Manager wage levels in your target city.
Engineering Project Manager J-1 Visa: Frequently Asked Questions
Which J-1 program category fits an Engineering Project Manager role?
It depends on your career stage. If you're currently enrolled in a degree program, the Intern category applies and allows up to 12 months of practical training. If you've graduated within the past 12 months or are an early-career professional, the Trainee category fits and allows up to 18 months. The Trainee category is more common for Engineering Project Manager placements since the role typically requires prior industry exposure.
Who actually sponsors my J-1 visa as an Engineering Project Manager?
A U.S. Department of State-designated sponsor organization issues your DS-2019 form and acts as your official visa sponsor. Common designated sponsors for professional trainees include Cultural Vistas and AIPT. Your engineering employer is the host organization, not the sponsor. This distinction matters because the designated sponsor is legally responsible for your program compliance, not the firm you're working for.
How do I find engineering firms that are open to hosting J-1 trainees?
Many engineering and construction firms don't advertise J-1 trainee positions publicly, so direct outreach matters. Use Migrate Mate to identify U.S. employers posting Engineering Project Manager roles with J-1 program compatibility. Focus on firms running long-duration projects in infrastructure, energy, or commercial development, since those employers have the most incentive to bring on trainees for the full program window.
What does the DS-7002 training plan need to cover for this role?
The DS-7002 must map your learning objectives to specific engineering competencies across the placement period. For an Engineering Project Manager role, your plan should detail phases covering scheduling methodologies, subcontractor coordination, cost tracking, and project closeout procedures. Designated sponsors review this document closely, and vague plans are a common reason applications are delayed or returned for revision.
Can the two-year home residency requirement block me from staying in the U.S. after my J-1 program?
Yes, if your home country appears on the Exchange Visitor Skills List or if your exchange was funded by your home government or a U.S. government agency, you'll be subject to INA Section 212(e), which requires you to return home for two years before changing to H-1B or green card status. A waiver is possible through USCIS but requires a qualifying basis such as exceptional hardship or a no-objection statement from your home country. Identify your status before accepting any offer.